Imagine being 12 years old and waking up early for school because you have to walk to get there. You squeeze into a pair of shoes that once fit but are now too tight. There’s a hole in one sole and a tear on the other, but they’re all you have. This is a daily reality for too many kids living in rural communities today.
In 2016, 15.8 percent of people living in rural America were living in poverty. That is three percent more than the national average of 12.7. This high poverty rate is underlined with a greater lack of resources. For most living in rural areas, the closest career center or food bank may be hours away depending on how close the nearest metro area is. Many of those in need also do not have access to a car, making resources even harder to get to.
With a lack of resources in smaller towns, many look to churches as community centers. Convoy of Hope’s Rural Initiatives resources and partners with rural churches. Through training, mentoring, and coaching, Convoy helps churches strengthen their communities through partnerships with community stakeholders, shoe and backpack distributions in schools, and feeding programs.
If you have a heart for rural communities, one of the best ways to help is to spread the word. You can also donate to support Rural Initiatives here.
